Dukakis seen as possible Senate replacement if Kerry tapped for State  —  Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, may be headed back to the political spotlight as he's considered a likely interim replacement for Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.).

President Obama's speech at prayer vigil for Newtown shooting victims (Full transcript)  —  Full transcript of President Obama's remarks at a Dec. 16 prayer vigil for victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.  —  OBAMA: Thank you.  —  Thank you, Governor.

New Calls for Gun Limits  —  Several lawmakers Sunday called for reintroducing a ban on assault weapons in the wake of Friday's deadly school rampage.  President Barack Obama is also likely to propose gun-policy changes, according to two administration officials.

Haley to announce DeMint's replacement at noon  —  (CNN) - Republican Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina will announce GOP Sen. Jim DeMint's successor at noon EST on Monday, her spokesman posted on Twitter. … Haley called former state Attorney General Henry McMaster, one of the short list members …

Boehner offers to take debt limit off the table  —  House Speaker John A. Boehner has offered to push any fight over the federal debt limit off for a year, a concession that would deprive Republicans of leverage in the budget battle but is breathing new life into stalled talks over the year-end “fiscal cliff.”

Liberals Call For Murder Of NRA President, Members & Repeal Of Second Amendment  —  When I wrote yesterday about the liberals coming out against guns, I had no idea just how some people would react.  What once would have been unthinkable to blast out into public seems to be becoming more normal via things like Twitter and Facebook.

Top Republican official Ron Weiser's comments about Detroit on videotape are causing a stir  —  LANSING — The finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, who also was Michigan's former GOP chairman, was captured on video telling a tea party meeting that voters in Detroit get picked …

The Facts about Mass Shootings  —  A few things you won't hear about from the saturation coverage of the Newtown, Conn., school massacre:  —  Mass shootings are no more common than they have been in past decades, despite the impression given by the media.  —  In fact, the high point …

The GOP's Electoral College Scheme  —  Swanson Middle School, a polling place in Arlington, VA.  —  Republicans alarmed at the apparent challenges they face in winning the White House are preparing an all-out assault on the Electoral College system in critical states, an initiative …

Tonight's Saturday Night Live Cold Open: The New York Children's Chorus Singing “Silent Night”  —  Given yesterday's devastating events in Connecticut, it seemed impossible for NBC to put together a Saturday Night Live cold open that could be seen in any way as appropriate for the mood.

Coalition, act two: Liberal Democrats must step away from the Tories |  Richard Reeves  —  In 2013 Nick Clegg's party needs to establish a more assertive identity and win voters over for bold, new reasons  —  The coalition will be a play in two acts.  Act one had the parties acting largely in tandem …